A free shopping app — Support Local, Shop Local — is to be launched to encourage people to shop locally as soon as possible and support their small business community.

The project has been started by a Mansfield photographer to help local small businesses that have been closed prepare to “restart with a bang”.

Serena Lamb, of Child Whisperer Photography, said they wanted the app to go some way to rebuilding the local economy and make local small businesses visible within the community.

“Fighting off the giant online retailers is hard enough at the best of times,” she said.

“The proof of that is the state of the high street before lockdown, but it’s small businesses that our nation relies upon.

“They are essential for the local economy as well as for creativity and individuality.

“Local business is at the heart of many small communities with many of them also supporting local charities by raising essential funds throughout the year.

“However, competing for the public pound always stretches running costs with the increasing need for paid advertising. The Support Local, Shop Local app costs businesses nothing to be part of and is free for users to download.”

Serena, owner of Child Whisperer Photography, a child and family portrait photography business based at her home studio on Lindhurst Lane, said local businesses can sign up to be featured on the app by completing a simple form at www.childwhispererphotography.com/shoplocalappsignup

The app can be downloaded from 16th May at www.childwhispererphotography.com/shoplocalapp and this page will include the details of each business involved.